Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008

Barack Obama on Tax Reform

• Yes, earmarks are abused, but small compared to tax cuts. (Sep 2008)
• No $300 billion on tax cuts for those who don't need them. (Sep 2008)
• Tax cut for 95% of all working families, not corporations. (Aug 2008)
• Tax cut for middle class and relief to struggling homeowners. (Jul 2008)
• Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit. (Jul 2008)
• I'm running against failed policy of profligate GOP spending. (May 2008)
• I will raise CEO taxes, no doubt about it. (May 2008)
• Under Bill Clinton, rich people didn't feel oppressed. (Apr 2008)
• No tax increase if earning under $250K; tax cuts under $75K. (Apr 2008)
• Raise capital gains tax for fairness, not for revenue. (Apr 2008)
• Tax cut for seniors and those making $75,000 a year or less. (Feb 2008)
• I'm not bashful about it: wealthy will pay more taxes. (Jan 2008)
• Stimulus package: $500 tax cut, & Social Security supplement. (Jan 2008)
• Restore progressive tax; close loopholes; relief to seniors. (Oct 2007)
• Trillion dollar giveaway: the Paris Hilton Tax Break. (Oct 2007)
• Reduce Bush tax cuts to pay for health care & other programs. (Jun 2007)
• Estate tax only affects the wealthiest 1/2 of 1%. (Oct 2006)
• Specific tax relief for families making $75,000 or less now. (Jan 2006)
• Bush tax cuts help corporations but not middle class. (Jun 2004)
• Tax incentives to create jobs at home instead of offshore. (Jun 2004)
• Last thing we need now is a permanent tax cut. (Jan 2008)

Voting Record

• FactCheck: Voted for non-binding tax increase on $42K income. (Sep 2008)
• GovWatch: didn't vote to raise taxes 94 times; at most 54. (Jul 2008)
• Voted YES on increasing tax rate for people earning over $1 million. (Mar 2008)
• Voted NO on allowing AMT reduction without budget offset. (Mar 2008)
• Voted NO on raising the Death Tax exemption to $5M from $1M. (Feb 2008)
• Voted NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax. (Mar 2007)
• Voted NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million. (Mar 2007)
• Voted NO on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts. (Aug 2006)
• Voted NO on permanently repealing the `death tax`. (Jun 2006)
• Voted YES on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut. (Feb 2006)
• Voted NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Feb 2006)
• Voted NO on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends. (Nov 2005)
• Rated 100% by the CTJ, indicating support of progressive taxation. (Dec 2006)

Click here for 34 full quotes on Tax Reform OR other candidates on Tax Reform OR background on Tax Reform.